Bounce TV Founder Launching Two New Networks

ATLANTA: Jon Katz, a former Turner Broadcasting exec and the founder of Bounce TV, has started a company that will operate two new demo-specific broadcast networks.

Called Katz Broadcasting, the company is set to own and run Escape, billed as the first-ever broadcast network for women, and the action-oriented Grit, which will target men. Katz will serve as president and CEO while continuing as COO of Bounce TV, a broadcast network aimed at African Americans.

A carriage deal with Univision Television Group will see both Escape and Grit launch this summer as a multicast channel in markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Miami.

“Free broadcast television is experiencing a renaissance in this new age of media disruption, as more and more consumers combine over-the-air with over-the-top services,” commented Katz. “Distributing Escape and Grit alongside successful demo-specific networks like Bounce TV makes the burgeoning new broadcast ecosystem closely resemble the early days of basic cable, providing viewers diverse new choices.”

Katz also tapped Jeffrey Wolf, Bounce TV’s EVP of network distribution, as chief distribution officer.

“We are being very strategic and selective when determining our partners for these new networks,” Wolf said. “Bounce TV has enjoyed an extremely successful relationship with Univision and we couldn’t be more thrilled to call Univision the launch group for both new networks. We look forward to another mutually beneficial partnership for many years to come.”